Despite a delayed start due to the "derecho" that hit the Washington area on June 29, the Extended School Year (ESY) was a success for the nearly 40 students who attended Pathways three summer programs, located at Northwood at Hyattsville, Edgewood and Anne Arundel.   The students worked hard on meeting their academic requirements for graduation, but after practicing their study skills and reviewing missed material, they had plenty of fun and enrichment. For example, they were thrilled when art teacher Steven Mead took them to the Brentwood Arts Exchange gallery to see an exhibition by teen artists, two of whom attended Pathways.  

A peak of ESY each year is

A delicious meal at the cafe

the student-run Café at Edgewood. An annual tradition, it is an opportunity for students to discover what is needed to operate a small business. They come up with the concept and theme, decide the menu, purchase the food, price the items, set up, verify orders, serve, cashier, buss tables, clean up and account for their costs and expenses. They determine what each one has earned based on hours worked.

This year, highlighting that their business venture would be serving up lunch on the eve of the summer Olympics, the students chose "Olympic Village" as their theme. Luncheon specials had names like "The Usain Bolt" and "La Medalla de Oro". Like the Olympic athletes, the students were dedicated to giving their best.

This year's Café was indeed a medal-winning effort. The students served nearly 80 customers in two sittings while practicing important skills of business management and service.

Kyle McPherson

When Kyle McPherson graduated from Pathways-Northwood in 2009, he was already on his way to a musical career. He was First Chair for the trombone section for both the marching and concert jazz band at Northwestern High School and he played lead guitar in two gospel bands and at church.  His plan was to attend Prince George's Community College in music, which he did. Though he appreciated the college experience, in 2011 he decided to leave the academic world and focus more on performance. He has had a regular paid position in DC's up and coming music scene on U Street, playing guitar with a band called Beautiful Experience. Kyle also plays with another band on the U Street circuit and has traveled to venues in North Carolina and Virginia Beach this year. In addition, he continues to play with a gospel band and at church. This makes Kyle a very busy young man, since he works six days a week washing and detailing cars, and has at least three rehearsals each week.

A highlight of his budding career came when a local producer heard him play at a club in DC and asked Kyle to be part of a band he was putting together to perform in Los Angeles during the BET Awards weekend.   Kyle agreed, and played at a festival in Malibu and on a recording for Grammys.com.